Natural remedies are becoming more and more popular. However, some people do like to just take prescription medication to help with everyday problems. Listed below are common problems, medications to help with the problems as well as their side effects, and natural remedies that can also help with these problems. Take a look and see for yourself what the better solutions are: drugs or remedies.

Anxiety is a common problem that is often prescribed benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, for treatment. These medications work for a while, then the body builds up a tolerance. This means that the patient must take more and more to get the same treatment, also causing a dependence. The patient must also be taken off the medication slowly to avoid the return of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms.

While medication may be necessary in some cases, a simple solution may also work to deal with anxiety without pills.

Journaling can help with anxiety. Reflecting for 15-20 minutes everyday on anxious feelings, what events caused them, and how the feelings were dealt with can help someone suffering with anxiety understand the triggers and patterns of their behavior.

Common pain medications, including Vicodin and Tylenol, are used to mask aches and pains. These medications contain ingredients such as acetaminophen, which over long periods of time can harm the liver. Often, pain medications become addictive.

However, another approach to pain is available. Rather than taking pills to ease the aches, a trip to the chiropractor's can target the source of the pain.

Depression is a widespread illness. Women are 70% more likely to suffer from depression than men. There are many prescription medications available, such as Zoloft, that can alleviate symptoms.

Though these medications can help, they also have many harmful side effects.

There is a simple solution than is linked to a 50% lower depression rate that can be found in the freezer section, down the refrigerator aisle, or in the cupboard.

Omega-3 can be found in fish and fish oil supplements. They can be also found in leafy greens, seeds, walnuts, and free range meat and dairy. This natural aid comes with the benefits without the side effects of the prescription pill.

High cholesterol is treated by medications called statins. Statins work to prevent the liver from making cholesterol by blocking a key enzyme.

A simpler and more natural way to lower cholesterol is through diet. Foods such oats, garlic, olive oil, and red wine can help with such a cause. Incorporating these into a patient's diet can aid in reducing inflammation and lower the bad LDL cholesterol and raise the good HDL. Foods with like properties can also help prevent blood clots from forming.

Good news: Studies have also shown that eating dark chocolate three to four times per week can be 25 times as effective as statins for a healthy heart.

In the case of high blood pressure, medications are necessary. Yet, this does not mean a patient has to stay on the medication forever.

Prescription drugs can be used to get the blood pressure initially under control. With the help of a doctor, supplements or enzyme therapy can be added so that the patient can cut back or eventually stop taking the prescription drugs.

Something as simple as increasing potassium, such as by eating a banana, and increasing magnesium every day are effective in lowering blood pressure in most people.

Sleep is necessary for a healthy and productive day. Many people have trouble getting the hours needed for a good night's sleep. Because of this, the popularly prescribed drug Ambien is given to patients. It will help get the required shut-eye but with prolonged use can cause dependence on the medication.

Melatonin is a natural produced hormone. It is found in the brain dealing with falling asleep. This over-the-counter remedy is being recommended in place of the prescription.

Diabetes has a proven medications that work to control blood sugar levels. Insulin is commonly taken for some types of diabetes through injection. Other types of diabetes are treated with pills or both.

There is a solution, however, not involving medication or reducing the dosage required. Exercise along with a healthy diet can improve symptoms of diabetes. This can potentially keep a patient from having to take medication for life. Three to five days of aerobic exercise as well as resistance training is said to be the ultimate prescription. The key focus is to just start moving.